David Sikes is the longtime outdoors writer for the Corpus Christi Caller Times. You can call him a multimedia journalist, but just don’t call him an expert.
02–I reject this title.
Even so, he’s the go-to guy when people in south Texas have questions about the outdoors- including sight casting-the definition of which, says Sikes, elicits broad interpretation.
12-Even a flipping bait fish, or surface bait fish, or a swirl in the water-any of those things that give you an indication through sight that there might be a predator fish down there-is, to me, sight casting.
David Sikes writes about sight casting for redfish in the June issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine.
12-A redfish looks pretty contrasting against a seagrass bed. It does take some adjustment; you have to have a really good pair
of polarized lenses-you have to have decent eyesight. You have to have a “practiced” eye.
Sikes’ first sight casting attempts were not fruitful.
19- When I first started doing this, I had guides who had been doing it for years who would say: “He’s right there, David. It’s right….” And I’m saying: tell me how many feet away it is. After a while, you learn what to look for. It’s a lot easier to do now
than it was before. I may not get an accurate cast to it, but at least I saw it.
Find David Sikes’ article on Sight Casting for Redfish in the June issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. The Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series.
Free Fishing Day is a nationwide event where for one day (sometimes even more), participating states waive the need for fishing licenses. Anyone who wishes to cast a line in fresh or saltwater can do so–freely.
This year it is June 6th.
In Texas, every day is Free Fishing Day at state parks that have fishing opportunities. Once you pay the park entrance fee, you and yours can fish to your heart’s content–while following bag limits and other regulations.
If you’re not currently an angler, but want to give it a try, some parks have tackle loaner programs. Borrow the tackle to use at the park, but bring your own bait. For very little investment, you can sample a sport that gets you outdoors and has the potential of putting food on the table.
On June 6th in East Texas, the Texas freshwater Fisheries Centeroffers a day of free fishing, hot dogs, soft drinks and games. In Central Texas, LBJ State Park offers its free fishing clinic for children and families. At Eisenhower SP in North Texas and Galveston Island State Park, on the coast, learn to fish and leave with a fishing fun pack and enter a drawing for door prizes.
Saturday, June 6th is National Trails Day–a nationwide event organized by the American Hiking Society to create awareness about the variety of trails across the country.
You can go to any park any time and find a trail to explore, but on National Trails Day parks statewide host special guided hiking events. We’ll focus on two events out west.
If you are in the El Paso area, the Wyler Arial Tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park hosts a 7 a.m., mile-long hike up Ranger Peak with a short Leave No Trace workshop prior getting underway. At the top of Ranger Peak you can enjoy a 7,000 square mile view of three
states and two nations. This hike is moderate to strenuous due to the incline.
Big Bend Ranch State Parkoffers a round trip 1.5 mile hike that starts at 9 a.m. June 6th and will take in the spectacular panoramic views from the top of the ridge trail. It’s a strenuous 2.5 hour hike; they recommend wearing a long sleeved shirt and long pants, and bringing at least 20 ounces of water with you.
In fact, anytime you go hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water, a snack, and a walking stick if you like.
For more information about National Trails Day June 6th and to sign-up for these and other guided hikes, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlifewebsite, or call the parks directly.
That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
Saturday June 6th is National Trails Day. And as it happens, hiking is a popular activity at Texas State Parks.
05- Our trails really give people an opportunity to experience everything about state parks.
Thomas Wilhelm works with state parks, and says hikers and walkers of all abilities have the unique opportunity to experience nature up close and personal on the trails during National Trails Day, June 6th and every day.
12- We have hikes from beginner level paved hikes all the way to very difficult hikes. So, regardless of your skills or your interests –
there’s a trail that’s perfect for you [in a state park].
This includes equestrian trails and ADA Accessible trails. The trails in Texas State Parks offer hikers opportunities to experience native flora and fauna, as well as solitude, peace and calm. And, for those who like to exercise their brain along with their bodies…
15-There’s also opportunities with interpretive hikes that have panels along the way that explain what’s happening. So, you’re either learning something about nature or about history — or whatever it may be. So it’s both a relaxing experience or an enlightening experience.
Celebrate National Trails Day June 6th by finding a trail that’s just right for you at texasstateparks.org.
That’s our show for today…Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram.
Texas’ state herpetologist loves talking about snakes.
03-Today I’d like to talk to you about the Texas rat snake.
See what I mean? Dr. Andy Gluesenkamp wants to help Texans develop an appreciation for this native reptile.
14- The Texas rat snake is the most commonly encountered snake in Texas, and they occupy a wide range of habitats. This snake is harmless; they’re completely non-venomous; they don’t attack people–in fact they’re major rodent predators; hence, the name: rat snake.
Rat snakes bear an uncanny resemblance to rattlesnakes which, as we know, are venomous.
18-[opens with rattling] Probably the best way to tell a rat snake from a venomous snake in Texas is look at the head shape; pit vipers, which includes copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, they tend to have a very chunky head with steep sides to the face. Whereas, if you look at the head of a rat snake, the head tends to be more rounded and less angular.
Andy says rat snakes get a bad rap, but they deserve our appreciation.
08- I’d like to point out their primary diet is mice, rats and other rodents. That’s a pretty beneficial snake to have around.
See Andy Gluesenkamp and his pal the rat snake next week on a segment of the PBS Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series. Check your local listings.
That’s our show–Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram
For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
Posted in TPWD TV, Wildlife | Comments Off on The Glory of Rat Snakes
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